Plan for the Future
Christina Coyle O’Connell-Duggan, loving wife of Edward J. Duggan, died peacefully on February 7, 2020, at Overlook Hospital, Summit, NJ, surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old. Tina, as she was known, lived in Short Hills, N.J. for the last 51 years.
She was predeceased by her first husband of 29 years, Thomas R. O’Connell.
Following the death of her husband Tom, Tina resumed her teaching career at The Pingry School in Short Hills, where she taught First Grade for 15 years. Tina was recognized by Pingry for her outstanding teaching, retiring in 1994. Although a passionate teacher for many years, Tina often said her most rewarding role was that of mother to her six children, and grandmother to her 12 grandchildren and 27 step-grandchildren. Tina cherished her annual family gatherings at Skytop Lodge, in the Poconos, where her family met each July for the last 25 years.
Known for her compassion and empathy, Tina was an exceptional friend to many. A devout Catholic, she was a unique life force, making deep connections with people from all walks of life. Tina was an active parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Short Hills, where she chaired the Respect Life Committee for many years. Tina also served as a Eucharist Minister at St. Rose and Overlook Hospital. She made a positive impact on many lives in Newark, NJ, where, for over 50 years, she volunteered at both St. Anne’s School and St. John’s Soup Kitchen.
The Mayor of Millburn Township appointed Tina to serve on a committee that determined money to be distributed to families and individuals in need, which she did for many years.
Tina loved to play tennis and paddle, and at age 60, took up golf and learned Italian. She was an avid reader and poet, enjoying membership in two book clubs for over 30 years. Tina was also a member of the Short Hills Home Garden Club, the Ladies’ Auxiliary of St. Rose, as well as a long-time member of the Short Hills Club and Baltusrol Golf Club, all in New Jersey.
Christina Gabriel Coyle was born March 22, 1934 in Deadwood, South Dakota to Vincent J. Coyle and Honora Frawley Coyle. Tina moved at age 6 to New York City following the death of her mother. In 1941 Tina’s father married Dorothy Stengel and the family resided in New York and New Jersey. Tina graduated from the Academy of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station in 1952, and from Rosemont College in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1956.
Tina is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Edward, her brother E. Christian Stengel, and her six children: Carolyn Cordill (Stephen) of Houston, TX, Stephen O’Connell (Eileen) of Princeton, N.J., Christopher O’Connell (Beth) of Bernardsville, N.J., Susan Doherty (Kelly) of Bernardsville, N.J. Kathryn O’Connell of New York and Los Angeles, and Ann O’Connell Heaney (Joe) of New York City, as well as 12 grandchildren. Tina is also survived by her loving Duggan step-children: James (Barbara), Thomas (Tracey), Timothy (Jennifer), Maureen Cuff (Billy), Kathleen Hicks (Timothy), Christopher (Mary) and Melissa (Dr. E.C. Brugger), as well as 27 step-grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren. Tina was predeceased by her beloved siblings Lois Williams and Vincent Coyle.
